NAILSMA at Copenhagen 2009

NAILSMA CEO, Joe Morrison is attending the Copenhagen climate summit.

11/12/2009

The North Australian Indigenous Land & Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA) has sent a delegation to the Copenhagen climate summit to present issues and opportunities for Indigenous people across northern Australia.

NAILSMA CEO, Joe Morrison, Operations Manager, Samara Erlandson and A/g CEO of the Kimberley Land Council, Nolan Hunter travelled to Denmark to heighten awareness around dealing with Climate Change in the north, and to learn from other Indigenous people elsewhere about climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.

In particular, NAILSMA will be furthering that aim by promoting the commercial potential of Indigenous fire management through their Carbon Project, as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while creating employment and business opportunities for people in rural and remote settings.

Abatement of savanna fires has already proven to be measurable scientifically and an accountable means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Unmanaged savanna fires at present account for three per cent of Australia's emissions.

Indigenous land management can produce significant emissions abatement with very strong commercial potential in a carbon economy. To realise this potential, and ultimately the livelihood goals of Indigenous land owners’ investment, political support for equitable participation in carbon markets is required.